4 Ways to Dress For Cycling
1. Head Gear
When cycling, one should always wear a bicycle helmet. A helmet will protect your head in the event of a cycling accident. When you put on the bicycle helmet, make sure you put it on top of your head and pull it down as far as it will go. It may look better to expose more of your face, but it is not safe. The primary goal of the helmet is to protect your head; and if you center your helmet properly and pull it down, it provides the ultimate protection. Helmets come in many shapes, sizes and colors so you should be able to find one that you like and are very comfortable wearing.
2. Body Gear
Body gear for cycling is just as important as head gear. However, body gear can change depending on the weather. If it is cold outside, you will want to wear a long sleeve shirt and a jacket. You will also want to wear long pants, heavy socks and gloves if it is very cold outside. If the weather is not cold, then you should wear a jersey type shirt or a t-shirt and spandex shorts. Form fitting clothes will allow you a greater range of motion and will be more comfortable during the ride. You could also try some padded shorts and shirts for added protection.
3. Foot Gear
Wearing the proper foot gear is very important in cycling. Not only do they add comfort to your feet, they also aid in pedaling efficiency. Many sporting goods stores will sell special shoes for cycling. However, if you do not want that type of shoe, then a nice running shoe would be okay. Wear thin cycling socks with cycling shoes if the weather is warm. One can wear thick socks with their cycling shoes during cold weather. Make sure your shoes fit properly and do not hurt your feel when you pedal or walk.
4. Extra Accessories
Many cyclists wear cycling gloves, sunglasses and weights on their ankles. The main thing when dressing for cycling is to have everything form fitting. Big, bulky items will just get in your way. Other common items for cyclist include a watch, a water bottle, a mile counter and a MP3 player or radio.
Member Comments
by Elkhound on September 9, 2008 at 8:23 AM
An MP3 player or radio? Dangerous!
When listening to an audio divice, you won't be able to hear cars coming up behind you. You won't be able to hear the bells/horns/calls of "on your right [left]" of faster cyclists attempting to pass. Bicycle safety requires being altert to your surroundings.
by cole91 on September 11, 2008 at 9:20 PM
Yeah Elkhound, but if your mountain biking its a different story ;)
by Marini on September 11, 2008 at 10:36 PM
Your suggestion that cyclists need or should use an mp3 player is mistaken. Listening to music on the bike may be fun but is dangerous. Listening to the flow of traffic, where a vehicle is, how fast it's coming is part of safe cycling. Moreover, when cars come out of "nowhere" as they sometimes do, you'll hear them before you see them. At my university, we've had 3 cycling deaths during the past 10 years. In all cases the student was listening to music at the time of the accident.
Yours,
Dominic G Marini
Fukuoka International University
Japan
by Marini on September 11, 2008 at 10:36 PM
Your suggestion that cyclists need or should use an mp3 player is mistaken. Listening to music on the bike may be fun but is dangerous. Listening to the flow of traffic, where a vehicle is, how fast it's coming is part of safe cycling. Moreover, when cars come out of "nowhere" as they sometimes do, you'll hear them before you see them. At my university, we've had 3 cycling deaths during the past 10 years. In all cases the student was listening to music at the time of the accident.
Yours,
Dominic G Marini
Fukuoka International University
Japan
by Marini on September 11, 2008 at 10:36 PM
Your suggestion that cyclists need or should use an mp3 player is mistaken. Listening to music on the bike may be fun but is dangerous. Listening to the flow of traffic, where a vehicle is, how fast it's coming is part of safe cycling. Moreover, when cars come out of "nowhere" as they sometimes do, you'll hear them before you see them. At my university, we've had 3 cycling deaths during the past 10 years. In all cases the student was listening to music at the time of the accident.
Yours,
Dominic G Marini
Fukuoka International University
Japan
by -Adam- on September 14, 2008 at 6:51 AM
Obviously on the road MP3 Player use is dangerous - you need all your senses out there - however during high intensity training, either on a trainer or a closed off section of road or during an event I find listening to music really helps me get into a rythm and keeps me motivated towards the end of the session.
by andre_agostinho on December 25, 2009 at 10:36 AM
music is a natural booster. Yes ,you can hear your ipod,but remember stay double alerted. Have fun
by andre_agostinho on December 25, 2009 at 10:36 AM
music is a natural booster. Yes ,you can hear your ipod,but remember stay double alerted. Have fun